Nonna is the Italian word for grandmother.Nonnina is a term of endearment meaning “little grandmother.” Occasionally, nonnina will be shortened to nonni, but nonni is also the word for grandparents plural.
When you think of an Italian “Nonna”, what image comes to mind?Generations of recipes passed down through family members that end up deliciously in front of you on the dining room table? Big, Sunday dinners? Listening to countless stories about the old way Italy used to be?Perhaps they also like the roles that grandmothers play in Italian families.Just as there is the utmost respect for the Italian “mamma”, the “nonna” plays an essential role in the Italian family structure, often looked to as the one to assist with helping to raise children and bringing the family together.